We all rely on businesses to be honest and fair. But too often, companies bend the rules—or break them entirely—to boost their profits at the expense of consumers. When that happens, they must be held accountable. At Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky P.C., we take on powerful corporations and fight for justice in high-stakes consumer protection cases. Below are some of the most common violations we see—and why they matter.
The Most Common Consumer Protection Violations
False Advertising—Tricked Into Buying Something You Didn’t Expect?
Have you ever bought a product expecting one thing, only to get something completely different? That feeling of being deceived isn’t just frustrating—it’s illegal. False advertising happens when businesses mislead consumers about what they’re selling. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces truth-in-advertising laws to prevent companies from making false claims about their products or services. If a company tricks you into buying something under false pretenses, you may be entitled to compensation.
Material Misrepresentations—Lies, Omissions, and Deceptive Practices
Not all consumer deception is as blatant as false advertising. Sometimes, companies withhold critical information or make misleading statements that influence your decisions. These “material misrepresentations” are just as unlawful. Every state has consumer protection laws that prohibit deceptive business practices. In Pennsylvania, the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL) protects consumers from fraud and dishonesty in the marketplace. If a company intentionally misleads you—or recklessly disregards the truth—it’s not just unfair, it’s illegal.
Data Privacy Breaches—Your Personal Information at Risk
In today’s digital world, companies collect and store vast amounts of personal information—credit card details, Social Security numbers, login credentials, and more. When businesses fail to safeguard this data, the consequences can be devastating. A breach can expose you to identity theft, financial fraud, and personal security threats. Too often, companies cut corners on cybersecurity, putting profits over consumer safety. If a business fails to protect your private information, they should be held accountable.
Debt Collection Violations—Harassment and Abuse by Collectors
Debt collection is heavily regulated under federal law, particularly by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This law protects consumers from harassment, threats, and unfair collection tactics used by third-party debt collectors. Some common illegal practices include:
- Repeated or excessive phone calls
- Threatening arrest or legal action they cannot take
- Contacting you at work after being told to stop
- Failing to verify the debt upon request
If a debt collector crosses the line, you have rights. You can sue for statutory damages, and in some cases, they may be forced to pay your legal fees. Don’t tolerate harassment—document every interaction and seek legal help.
Why Consumer Protection Violations Are Often Pursued as Class Actions
When a company deceives or harms one person, they’ve likely done the same to many others. That’s why consumer protection cases are often filed as class action lawsuits. Instead of hundreds or thousands of people filing separate cases, class actions allow affected consumers to band together in a single lawsuit.
Class actions offer several key advantages:
- Shared Costs – Legal fees and expenses are split among many plaintiffs, making it easier to take on large corporations.
- Efficiency – A single court and judge handle the case, streamlining the process.
- Stronger Impact – A class action verdict or settlement can force companies to change their policies, preventing future harm.
If you’ve been affected by a consumer protection violation, you may not have to fight alone. A class action can help level the playing field.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Consumer Protection Lawyers Today
At Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky P.C., we don’t just take on cases—we take on corporate wrongdoing. If you believe your consumer rights have been violated, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free case review. With our main office in Philadelphia, we handle consumer class action lawsuits nationwide. Justice starts here.